Ragnar Lothbrok

Viking chieftain Ragnar Lothbrok and his brother Rollo grow tired of the same old summer raids to the east, of Baltic tribesmen in Russia and Finland.

Ragnar happens upon a sunboard and sunstone, and him and his crew end up pillaging a small village off the coast of Great Britain in the kingdom of Northumbria, to the west. These exploits would become knownas the Lindisfarne raids of 793.

Ethelstan informs Ragnar of many more potential plunders to be had in similarly effortless fashions and he acquires the green-light to go back on this highly cost-effective and lucrative excursion.

Rag has some disagreements with the Earl and is forced to flee from his home, wounded. He holes up at a Floki residence nearby and licks his wounds, and then challenges the Earl in singular hand-to-hand combat and prevails, usurping his title, as is the custom.

Ragnar is pitted against his brother Rollo via a villain Jarl Borg. This conflict resolves and a trifecta (Lothbrok, Borg, Horik) of Swedish / Danish / Scandinavian noblemen collude on raiding the shores of Great Britain for more easy plunders.

Rag’s paramour Princess Aslaug whom he impregnated sojourns to his native Kattegat and blows up his spot, as a result Lagertha leaves.

Borg is disincluded in the raids and leaves, resentful. As a result he assails Kattegat. In dire straits, Rag is bailed out militarily by Lagertha and his son Björn.

Horik’s forces are thinned by those of a British King Ecbert in Wessex, whom they now seek revenge upon. They reassimilate with Jarl Borg, as they need his ships, and head back west as the original trifecta.

They clash forces with Ecbert, sustain heavy losses and a defeat, and return home. King Horik antagonizes Ragnar and is slain as a result, making Ragnar King of Denmark.

King Ragnar strikes a seemingly symbiotic agreement with King Ecbert, of Wessex that involves colonization and fighting as mercenaries for the kingdom of Mercia.

Ragnar and his Vassals contend for the restoration of the throne of Mercia for princess Kwenthrith, and lose many men, but their British settlement is destroyed anyway.

A reformed contingent attempts to invade Paris unsuccessfully. They stick around however, and persevere, breaching the cities gates. The pagans negotiate a large monetary settlement.

Ragnar has himself baptized by a French priest so he can hope to join his perished friend Ethelstan in the afterlife. This causes brief dissension among the Norsemen ranks.

Ragnar takes to opium via his oriental paramour, whom he slays, and his second attempt to invade Paris is unsuccessful, he subsequently abandons his people in disarray.

Six years later he returns to Kattegat, jeers a crowd, and challenges some locals to his Danish crown, the old-fashioned way, in personal hand-to-hand combat.

The Earl decides. He owns the ships. He’ll send us to the east, as always, to the Baltic lands. But I want to know what is to the West – what cities and Gods are over there. See, I’m not satisfied… with this. Odin gave his eye to acquire knowledge, but I would give far more. — Ragnar Lothbrok

“I went to confess my love to her but I was set upon by a bear and an enormous hound who guarded her home. I killed the bear with my spear and I managed to strange the hound with my bare hands. And that is how I gained her hand in marriage. Did she tell you the same story?” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“Are you ready to receive your arm right and become a man? And what does a man do?” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“That’s right. Could you look after our family?” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“Say I wasn’t there. I have a big decision to make. It may change many things. Now, go to sleep. You have a big day tomorrow.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“Why don’t you go lie down, hmm?” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“Now, this candle is the sun. Every day… the sun rises up into the sky until noon. See how the shadow shortens. At noon, it is at its shortest.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“Didn’t I just tell you to listen!? The day before sailing you mark a circle around the pointer where the shadow is at its shortest at noon. The next day at sea you place the board back into water around noon and watch the shadow if the shadow only touches the circle…” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“Yes. and if it passes outside the circle, like this…” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“Yes. And what if it never reaches the circle?” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“That’s it! Keep the noon shadow on the circle and your course will be true, west.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“Using this. Follow me outside. They call it a sunstone. Oh! You see? There is the sun. Now we go west.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“You have to.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“He wants to die well, without fear, to atone for his sins. You must watch, for his sake.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“He should not have done that.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“You hear that, boy? This is how things are done around here.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“My lord. We all want to feast, but we also want to know where we will be raiding this summer.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“Every year we go to the same places! But there is an alternative… if you choose.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“Yes, lord. Lord- I can’t be sure. But I believe that- I understand.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“To talk to the Gods. It’s what we do.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

I want to know what the Gods have in store. — Ragnar Lothbrok

“I’m more interested in myself.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“To have this great future, must I challenge the law?” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“So I should take the laws of men into my own hands? Answer me.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“You haven’t helped me at all, ancient one.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“We have someone special to visit. His name is Floki. Yes, only different. He’s not a god.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“Because he’s shy.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“Floki is a boat-builder… among other things.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“So, what about our boat?” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“The hull is deeper. How will my men set their oars?” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“And you think it could handle long sea voyages? But will it be strong enough?” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“For the anchor. It’s all I have left from last summer’s raids.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“I missed you. Did anything happen while we were away? Did you miss me?” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“Is that what you want? Hmm? You want me to make you laugh?” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“Let him stay awhile.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“Good night, my children.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“It’s nearly ready.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

We are brothers. You and I will always be equal. — Ragnar Lothbrok

“I must go piss.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“I saw something. A sign. It made me certain we’re doing the right thing. Good night, brother.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“Set the sail. Floki! The sail! No she bloody won’t!” — Ragnar Lothbrok

I’ll set the sail. Shut up, man. — Ragnar Lothbrok

“You have done well, my friend. Although I knew I could trust you.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“You are here, firstly, because you have nothing better to do. See, all you lot live idle and wasted lives.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“We have built a new boat. And with this boat, for the first time, we can go west. Across the great sea, to a place called England, where countless riches await us.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

We have discovered a way. — Ragnar Lothbrok

Just stories. All things begin and end as stories. — Ragnar Lothbrok

“The Earl knows nothing about our new boat. He knows nothing about the new way of navigating. This is why he refuses to let us go west.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

We can offer you a chance to shine in battle and impress the Gods, and to bring back such plunder that you have never seen before. — Ragnar Lothbrok

“Have you got the balls to join us?” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“Prepare to leave in the next few weeks, and tell no one who doesn’t need to know.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“I already told you. I don’t want you to come. I need to leave the children and the farm in the hands of someone I trust. What if the Earl finds out we have gone without his permission? He might try and claim our family home.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“What if there is no west? This is the most dangerous and stupid voyage ever. What if we both die, hmm? Then who would take care of the children – Rollo?!?” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“All right, all right. You go. You go and I shall stay here and look after the children.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

My love. — Ragnar Lothbrok

“How could I forget? You keep reminding me.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“We were just having an argument. Back to bed!” — Ragnar Lothbrok

It’s a fine thing, when a little pig teaches the boar a lesson. — Ragnar Lothbrok

“Where is my anchor? It was promised for today. Maybe your blacksmith is a liar.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“I still don’t see Knut. That troubles me.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“Storms coming. Should we let down the sail? Floki, should we let down the sail?” — Ragnar Lothbrok

He was looking for an excuse to kill us. Why would we go to Valhalla after such miserable and pointless deaths? Brother, believe me, this is not the end, it’s just the beginning. — Ragnar Lothbrok

We don’t like those in our house to go hungry or thirsty. — Ragnar Lothbrok

“I am very curious about England. Does it have one King who rules over the whole country?” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“Then why is his kingdom so full of treasure?” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“I want to learn some of your language. Will you teach me, priest?” — Ragnar Lothbrok

I find him very useful, as you will discover. — Ragnar Lothbrok

I want to sail west again. I have spoken at great lengths with my christian slave. He is not a stupid person, however stupid his God is. He has traveled a great deal, and he has told me that there are many countries to the west. He has also told me about his England, about his kings and his customs. He has informed me of a large village near to the temple that we raided before. And in this town there are other temples, and surely other riches. You see. This town is clearly worth a visit. Give us back our boat. Let us go there and find out. What do you have to lose? Any plunder we take will be yours to do with as you please. — Ragnar Lothbrok

“Yes, you could, my lord. But why put yourself in danger? Why not leave it to someone who has more… experience of this journey, and someone who is more expendable?” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“You will not regret this.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“I have the Earl’s permission to sail back to England. I want to leave as soon as possible. Tomorrow.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

As you all know it has taken a long time to prepare ourselves: to build our ships, and to replace the young men that we lost to the plague. But now, now we are ready, and this summer we shall finally go west again. We will return to England, for that land was so generous to us the last time. But this time, we shall not go alone. For King Horik and Jarl Borg have agreed to join us. And perhaps we will not have to return so quickly, but stay in their land for awhile, explore it, maybe even winter there. Who knows? But, I tell you, these are interesting times. The world is changing and we must change with it. We must act together, for everyone’s sake. And now that I have put your minds to rest, who is hungry? — Ragnar Lothbrok

“You chose to fight against me. Tell me, why should I ever trust you again? Shouldn’t you be asking for forgiveness after everything you have done?” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“You have suffered. But many people suffered more because of what you did. Let me think on it. And I’ll give you my decision. You broke my heart.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

You did not hesitate today. — Ragnar Lothbrok

I am a farmer and the son of a farmer. This is what I understand. — Ragnar Lothbrok

“The Gods are having a good time with me, today.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

We live to fight another day. — Ragnar Lothbrok

Power is always dangerous. It attracts the worst. And corrupts the best. I never asked for power. Power is only given to those who are prepared to lower themselves to pick it up. — Ragnar Lothbrok

“We are all fated to die on a certain day, yes? But it is our own choice to do as we please until that day comes.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

We fight. That is how we win. And that is how we die. Do you understand? — Ragnar Lothbrok

“Forgive me, my friend, not for what I have done. But for what I am about to do.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

There will come a time when you will be responsible for our people. For now. But when your time comes, you must lead with your head, not with your heart. — Ragnar Lothbrok

“It appears my return is not welcome. You’ve obviously all made your mind up about me. I cannot blame you for that. Well, boys, who is going to do it, then? Who’s going to kill me? Well, I don’t mind. Go ahead. Please.” — Ragnar Lothbrok

“No. I would never insult you. You’re too great a warrior… but perhaps not so great a man.” — Lagertha Ingstad

“So when do we sail?” — Lagertha Ingstad

“This was going to be the most exciting voyage of our lives. To go west! I dreamed of it many times, and in my dreams we are always together.” — Lagertha Ingstad

“You have no right to say that!” — Lagertha Ingstad

“Never mind that. Defend yourself. How dare you? Am I not good enough for you? Am I not strong enough for you? Don’t you remember? I saved your life.” — Lagertha Ingstad

“I’m so mad at you right now!” — Lagertha Ingstad

“The great sea is held in place by Jomungand, the serpent, whose giant body encircles it and who keeps his tail in his mouth to complete the circle and stop the waves breaking loose. But one day, the god Thor, son of Earth, was fishing in the sea for the serpent, using a bull’s head for bait. Jormungand reared up and the waves pummeled the shore as he twisted and writhed in a fury. They were well matched, serpent and god, in that furious fight. The seas boiled around them, but then the hook became dislodged, and the serpent slithered free, and sank again, so quickly, beneath the waves. And soon, the sea was calm, once more, as if nothing had disturbed it.” — Lagertha Ingstad

We all wish you success. We will sacrifice to Odin. — Lagertha Ingstad

But the farm, the children. — Lagertha Ingstad

“I was just going to say the same thing to you, my love.” — Lagertha Ingstad

Answer me this, Knut. Are you really with us? Understand this! A war band lives… and dies together. If you cannot trust the men to either side of you, or in front of you, you are already a dead man. — Rollo Lothbrok

It’s a trap. Don’t listen. They’ll kill us. — Rollo Lothbrok

“They’re preparing some kind of ambush. Let’s kill them and be done with it.” — Rollo Lothbrok

Then surprise is our biggest advantage. — Rollo Lothbrok

Don’t grieve him. Don’t pity him. Guess where he is now? The Valkyries are taking him home to Valhalla. Right at this moment he is… he is drinking ale with the Gods. — Rollo Lothbrok

Nevertheless, I will swear, brother. I swear to be true to you, your wife and your family… as long as your good fortune holds. — Rollo Lothbrok

“How will we ever be equal now, my brother?” — Rollo Lothbrok

I ask only for the opportunity to regain your respect, to fight beside you again in battle. I have nothing. — Rollo Lothbrok

Tell him I shall answer him in blood. — Rollo Lothbrok

Carrying around my heavy heart, cursing the Gods, cursing myself, and then drinking ale until I almost forgot everything. — Rollo Lothbrok

“I accept your judgement.” — Rollo Lothbrok

“Be strong. Be a man. Coax her back from Valhalla. But make it worth her while, for she is already at the gates.” — Rollo Lothbrok

The Gods are mistaken. — Rollo Lothbrok

Undaunted, durable, vigorous, and bullheaded Rollo Lothbrok is a Guardian.

Flóke Vilgerðarson

Flóke Vilgerðarson is a shipwright of great skill, who designs and builds the longship that carries the vikings across the North Sea to Great Britain.

Flóke slays Ethelstan and is arrested for his murder. He is released after Ragnar has a vision of Ethelstan pleading for mercy.

“It means he will be like you. And therefore he will want to do better than you, and you will hate him for it.” — Flóke Vilgerðarson

“Oh, it’s the same with trees. I can tell which trees make the best planks just by looking at them. I can look inside the tree.” — Flóke Vilgerðarson

“This is one. Inside this tree are two almost perfect planks. They will bend, then curve, like a woman’s body from the thighs to the back. When I split this tree I will find them. Do you think I’m joking? I joke about many things, son of Ragnar, but never about ship-building. Do you imagine ships are just dead things?” — Flóke Vilgerðarson

“It will be lighter, and carry a bigger sail. The construction is different. It’s built with a strong central plank. The two strales above it are nailed directly onto the knees of the frame. But the ones below- Look! -are cleated and lashed onto the frames, not nailed, so they can move in relation to each other. This means the boat won’t butt against the waves like a goat, but move over them like a ripple.” — Flóke Vilgerðarson

“I will cut them into the sheerstrakes, and the ports can be closed when the boat is at sea.” — Flóke Vilgerðarson

We live in a sea of troubles. But look, some are ended. — Flóke Vilgerðarson

“Here, this is yours. And this is mine.” — Flóke Vilgerðarson

“Yes, we have to take the sail down, and then we must row. If we are not moving forward, then we will be soaked by the waves and sink.” — Flóke Vilgerðarson

You are alive. Ragnar is alive. Your children are alive. You have everything left. — Flóke Vilgerðarson

“The Gods will provide.” — Flóke Vilgerðarson

“Just eat your soup, priest.” — Flóke Vilgerðarson

Well, I’ve been busy like a dwarf, building your new boats Ragnar Lothbrok, even in the ice and the snow. The boats are nearly finished. I think we all want to know where we’ll be raiding this summer. — Flóke Vilgerðarson

“The Gods made everyone swear an oath that he would be safe. Nothing could injure Odin’s favourite son. Everyone rejoiced that it was impossible to harm Balder. All except Loki. The sly one watched with distaste and impatience. And it sickened him to see how Balder was immune from all sorts of attacks.” — Flóke Vilgerðarson

I came to talk to the Gods. They are angry, Rollo. And I’m so afraid that we must one day choose between them and your brother. — Flóke Vilgerðarson

Inventive, engineering, interested chiefly in sciences and technology Flóke Vilgerðarson is a Rational.

Björn Ironside

Björn Ironside is Ragnar’s first born son, he takes a trip out into the wilderness to see if he can hack it and become a man.

While on this journey of self-discovery he is braced by a would-be-assassin, sent by parties attempting to claim vengeance for King Horik. Björn literally guts him.

Björn and family friend Floki head for the Mediterranean Sea.

“What will happen at the thing?” — Björn Ironside

“And will Earl Haraldson let you?” — Björn Ironside

“Yes. He fights. He looks after his family.” — Björn Ironside

“What do you mean? You look after us.” — Björn Ironside

“Hello, Rollo.” — Björn Ironside

“Why did he do that?” — Björn Ironside

“Yes, lord. Yes, lord. Yes, lord.” — Björn Ironside

“Where are we going now? I’m so tired.” — Björn Ironside

“Floki? Like Loki the God?” — Björn Ironside

“Well. Thank you, sir.” — Björn Ironside

“How can you tell that by just looking at my face?” — Björn Ironside

“They are having sex.” — Björn Ironside

“But I’m a man, I have a ring.” — Björn Ironside

“Stop! Are you mad? You could have killed each other! Is that what you want? Well, never argue like that again.” — Björn Ironside

“But who is to be in charge? Father! You cannot place a slave above me, your natural son.” — Björn Ironside

“You need a drink, priest.” — Björn Ironside

“We call her the angel of death.” — Björn Ironside

“Don’t argue, you two.” — Björn Ironside

“I choose my father.” — Björn Ironside

“You and I, father, are bound both by ties of memory and blood.” — Björn Ironside

“I think what happened in Paris finally broke him. You can all say whatever you want but he was a human. People started to talk as if he was a God. He was not a god, he was a man! A man with many dreams and many failings. I’ve learned that in the years since he went away. If I was him, I wouldn’t come back. Despite all his failings, he’s still the greatest man in the world to me.” — Björn Ironside

“I learned from my father. The only way to tell if something is real… … is to sail there. I hope you’ll come with me Floki.” — Björn Ironside